Grilled Tofu with Asparagus and Nori Vinaigrette

Name: Grilled Tofu with Asparagus and Nori Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons white miso paste; 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon tahini paste; 1 tablespoon agave syrup (see Note); 2 teaspoons mirin; 1/8 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder; 1 pound extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 4 blocks; Vegetable oil; Three 7-by-8-inch sheets of toasted nori (seaweed), cut into strips; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile paste; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound medium asparagus; 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; 1 large scallion, thinly sliced

Servings: persons

1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons white miso paste
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon tahini paste
1 tablespoon agave syrup (see Note)
2 teaspoons mirin
1/8 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 pound extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 4 blocks
Vegetable oil
Three 7-by-8-inch sheets of toasted nori (seaweed), cut into strips
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile paste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound medium asparagus
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1 large scallion, thinly sliced

1
Preheat the oven to 425.
2
In a medium baking dish, whisk 2 tablespoons of the rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the miso and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the soy sauce with the tahini paste, agave syrup, mirin and Chinese five-spice powder until smooth.
3
Add the tofu and turn to coat.
4
Let stand for 30 minutes.
5
Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1/4 cup of vegetable oil with the nori, water, honey, lemon juice, sambal oelek and the remaining 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of miso paste and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
6
Puree until smooth and season lightly with salt and pepper.
7
Refrigerate the vinaigrette.
8
On a baking sheet, toss the asparagus with the sesame oil; season with salt, black pepper and the red pepper.
9
Roast for 10 minutes, until tender and browned.
10
Meanwhile, in a skillet, toast the sesame seeds over moderate heat until fragrant and lightly browned, 1 minute.
11
Let cool.
12
Light a grill and brush with vegetable oil.
13
Remove the tofu from the marinade and grill over moderate heat, turning once, until browned and heated through, 6 minutes.
14
Cut each block into 3 slices.
15
Spoon some of the nori vinaigrette onto plates.
16
Top with the asparagus and tofu.
17
Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds, cilantro and scallion and serve.

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* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon tahini paste, and more.

Yes, Grilled Tofu with Asparagus and Nori Vinaigrette falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!